The Lion's Roar 10/27/2020

Hammond, LA

October 27, 2020

S O U T H E A S T E R N L O U I S IA NA U N I V E R S I T Y

Butler and Richardson crowned King and Queen MAGGIE TREGRE Staff Reporter

Homecoming Week 2020 came to an end with the announcement of the 2020 Homecoming King and Queen.

Darnell Butler Jr., senior management major, was crowned Homecoming King and Destiny Richardson, junior art major, was crowned Homecoming Queen.

Richardson shared her initial reaction to hearing her name being called.

“It was, ‘Oh my goodness, I can’t believe this,’” said Richardson.

“That’s all I could think.”

Butler also shared his initial reaction to the announcement.

“It’s an extreme honor,” said Butler. “I just feel so humbled knowing that all my hard work didn’t go to waste. It was a long week campaigning and going to all the Homecoming court events, so it’s really a blessing to be in this position. I’m glad I can represent the university.”

In the upcoming year, Richardson hopes to help students feel included in school activities during her reign as Homecoming Queen.

“This next year, just making sure that I’m still going to events like I usually do, wearing my green and gold, having school spirit and definitely just making sure

that everyone feels as included in activities as possible,” expressed Richardson.

Butler shared how his position as Homecoming King will help him to serve the university in addition to his current role as vice president of the Student Government Association.

“I feel that it will add on just being that I’m someone who can interact with the students, show up and just be interactive and be engaging. That’s been my whole mission as SGA vice president, just being a voice for the students and representing them to the best of my ability. Being that person that’s going to advocate for them and do things on their behalf. That’s what I’ve been working towards since being SGA vice president, and now that I’m king I can do that even more.”

Richardson mentioned that her favorite part of Homecoming was the parade, even if it was different from past years, because she saw how others expressed their Lion pride.

“My favorite event was definitely the parade,” shared Richardson. “It was nice to see everyone still had the Homecoming spirit while doing things differently with COVID, but seeing everyone still come and have that pride, it’s 2020 Homecoming King and Queen Darnell Butler Jr. and Destiny Richardson, center, pose with 2019 Homecoming royalty Keenan Austin and Aesha Magee. The definitely a very fun and exciting royalty announcement took place in the University Center on Oct. 24. Maggie Tregre/The Lion’s Roar thing to do.”

Students share why they are voting in November election AUSTIN DEWEASE Staff Reporter

Election Day is approaching, and for many college students, this will be the first presidential election in which they are voting.

Generation Z, the generation that makes up almost all currently-enrolled college students, is the most racially diverse generation, and more than half of the older members of Gen Z are pursuing higher education, according to research conducted by the Pew Research Center.

Several students shared their opinions on the significance of voting.

Janine Hatcher, Miss Southeastern 2020, feels that she has a responsibility and duty to vote.

“As an African American woman, I feel a huge obligation and duty to make my voice heard

through my vote,” expressed Hatcher. “Many women struggled for women’s suffrage and many more African Americans endured an immense amount of struggle in order to finally secure the right for African American people to cast their votes. I don’t think there is ever a time I would make the conscious and intentional decision not to vote, especially due to the history behind having that right.”

Hatcher believes that voting is extremely important and the only way to ensure a better future.

“Our country exists on the pillar of democracy, so if we fail to make our views, beliefs, morals and the changes we desire known in this upcoming election and in any election —at the local, state or national level— then we are doing a tremendous disservice to ourselves and to our communities,” explained The last day to vote early for the Presidential election is Tuesday, Oct. 27. Citizens who want to vote early may do so in Hatcher. person at the parish registrar of voters office or other designated locations. Jordyn Franklin/The Lion’s Roar

Emilie Richoux, a senior psychology major, plans to vote in the upcoming election. She also believes it is important to vote.

“It’s the only thing we really have control of, and anyone who is not a white male has had generations of people before them fight for their right to vote,” stated Richoux.

Richoux shared her concern with the possibility of President Donald Trump’s reelection.

“I am terrified and genuinely wishing I had dual citizenship somewhere else,” shared Richoux. “Trump being in office has been hard globally, personally and on community levels, and it genuinely feels to me that a villain tricked and manipulated their way into power like the common trope in kid shows. I fear for anyone in this country that is not a rich

see VOTING, pg. 5

Instructors’ perspectives on distance learning HANNAH JUNEAU Staff Reporter

Due to the unforeseen arrival of the coronavirus, the university was forced to shut down and move to remote operations last semester.

However, this semester, some classes continued the tradition of taking place in the classroom. Many classes are hybrid, meaning some students attend face-to-face one day and the others are online, and others are 100% online.

While many students can empathize with one another in that the switch to online was challenging, some may not understand how professors feel about the situation.

Like students with their schoolwork, professors put effort into creating new lessons for students each week. With COVID-19, some instructors find that teaching can be difficult due to the new online teaching

methods to which they have had to adapt.

Noel Milton, an instructor of biological sciences, believes that the biggest advantage of online classes is that she is able to teach her students time management skills.

“Teaching them responsibility, turning things in on time, those kinds of things,” shared Milton.

However, Milton mentioned that the biggest challenges with online classes are handling the workload and not being able to maintain the same relationship with her students.

“Keeping up with the lectures and paperwork,” said Milton. “I’m not as in tune to what they need. Students want faceto-face. If I had the chance, I would 100% bring it back. Some classes might work well with online classes – I did online schooling back then – but classes should be in-person, especially biology.”

While some professors have been

Weather

Tuesday H 81 L 73

struggling to connect with their students, Myranda Degraw, an academic advisor and SE 101 instructor, says this is the only experience she has with her students.

“I’ve been able to make pretty good connections with my students because this is the only way I know how,” explained Degraw.

Another SE 101 instructor, Alicia McDaniel, has had a different experience with her students than Degraw.

“I don’t feel like I know my students as well as I did this time last year,” shared McDaniel. “That’s why I’m really liking advising because I’m able to tap in and ask how they are.”

Alongside the lack of connection to students, Degraw explained the positives and negatives of teaching online classes.

“I think they have the flexibility to do Noel Milton, an instructor of biological sciences, is one of many instructors who is now delivering coursework remotely due to COVID-19. Hannah Juneau/The Lion’s Roar

see TEACHING DURING PANDEMIC, pg. 5 Index

Wednesday H 79 L 65

Campus Life.................................2 Opinions.....................................3 A&E............................................4

Sports & Fitness...........................5 News..........................................6

Stay Connected With Us! Like and follow @lionsroarnews.

Volume 92, Issue 10 A Student Publication www.lionsroarnews.com lionsroar@southeastern.edu

Page 2 | October 27, 2020

The Lion’s Roar | Campus Life

Q&A with an education professor: Teaching during the pandemic AUSTIN DEWEASE Staff Reporter

With the pandemic still at large, teachers have faced major changes in the way they teach and have learned to adapt to the situation.

Dr. Colleen Klein-Ezell, department head and professor for the department of teaching and learning, answered some questions regarding the department and teacher residents’ responses to these changes.

As a career path solely focused on interaction, how did things change?

“In preparing for the COVID-19 pandemic transition to virtual/remote learning, faculty worked tirelessly to plan what the remaining of the semester would like for our teacher candidates’ field experiences and student teaching/residency. The entire faculty came together and made consistent plans to provide meaningful field experiences for our teacher candidates that would reinforce class learning during the P-12 school closures. When our P-12 schools closed, all face-toface professional development activities were canceled. At that time, all professional development activities and field experiences (including student

these major changes during the times of the pandemic?

“At the beginning of the shutdown, teacher residents (student teachers) were allowed to support their school sites with their mentor teachers. All districts and school sites confirmed that, ideally, residents would continue.

‘Residents were literally begging to continue in the field to support mentors. In retrospect, this was a great learning opportunity for them, and the districts wanted them there,’ said Mrs. Jordan Ahrend, director of clinical practice and professional development. Once student teaching was ‘suspended until further notice’ due to COVID-19, teacher residents continued to work with their school mentor teacher in providing instruction and activities for their P-12 students. They remained in contact with their university site Education is one of the fields that has had to shift their means of operation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students have coordinator and Southeastern instructors.” also had to adjust their methods of observing and teaching in K-12 schools. Brynn Lundy/The Lion’s Roar teaching/residency) virtual.”

shifted

to Moodle page with videos to outline expectations and protocols for the virtual opportunities. In lieu What are some of the other of face-to-face field experiences major things in the field of in the P-12 schools for our education that changed? teacher candidates, video-based “All of the new teacher observations were approved to candidate expectations were fulfill the required field experience posted on our Education Majors hours. Faculty worked with the

Do you think that the current curriculum for studentteachers has prepared them to adapt and be flexible?

“Teacher residents in their final semester had completed their third evaluative cycle and were on their way to completing an entire How has the education year of teaching experience. By department navigated through mid-March, our teacher residents teacher candidates to maintain high standards in coursework, professional development and field experiences, as they were all experiencing the effects of the pandemic together.”

had a strong foundation and were very prepared for the classroom.”

What kind of lessons do you think student-teachers will learn from this pandemic?

“The Spring 2020 semester was a great learning experience for our teacher residents, teacher candidates and education faculty.

Everyone was impacted in some way from the pandemic shutdown.

We all learned how to support our students, both the students in the P-12 classrooms and the students at Southeastern. We learned the true meaning of flexibility and resilience. Because of this experience, teacher candidates have the confidence to know how to proceed in similar situations and take teaching day by day in supporting their students. In October 2020, the College of Education learned of their grades of ‘A’ of clinical practice and classroom management, released in the National Council for Teacher Quality (NCTQ) 2020 Teacher Prep Review, naming Southeastern’s undergraduate and graduate elementary teacher preparation program among the top in the country. We are among only 17 elementary programs in the country with this distinction and serve as a model of excellence.”

Craft to give virtual presentation at international conference DYLAN MECHE Staff Reporter

A paper written by a university faculty member has been chosen to be presented at an international conference.

Bruce Craft, an instructor of English, has been selected to present his paper, titled “The Myth of Chivalry and White Masculinity in the Digital Spaces of the South: Medievalism in the Southern Pop Culture Marketplace of Sport and Play,” at the 35th Annual International Conference on Medievalism from Nov. 12-14.

The conference was originally scheduled to take place in person in Norfolk, Va. However, due to ongoing concerns regarding the coronavirus pandemic, the organizers switched the conference to a virtual format.

“It’s all new for everyone, and I

think it will be a very interesting media application,” shared Craft. “Since I am interested in media application, I think it will be fun. Just like if you go to a regular conference, there will be multiple presentations going on at one time.”

Craft, who has studied the culture and literature of the American south, explained that he wrote this paper because he noticed that connections between the south and medievalism have not been thoroughly explored.

“I thought it was an opportunity to broaden the horizons of medievalism as a field of study and also incorporate that into a study of southern studies,” said Craft. “There are really only a handful of people that have worked on that in the past and have published things on that, so that is something that I thought I would do, because I see a lot of connections between theories in

Bruce Craft. Courtesy of Craft medievalism and being able to apply those theories to the field of southern studies. I think there are plenty of gaps to be filled there, and I want to try to fill some of those gaps.”

The field of medievalism, Craft

explained, is not confined to the Middle Ages.

“Medievalism is really how tropes, metaphors, images, rhetoric, concepts from the Middle Ages have been transported, if you will, into other historical time frames, particularly the contemporary south for my studies,” noted Craft.

Craft detailed what sorts of concepts he will touch on during his presentation.

“I am going to be taking a lot of popular culture and images associated with the new south and showing how theories of medievalism can be used to explain those,” detailed Craft. “Everything from film, television, to the print media. It will be a media-orientated presentation because one of the things I am very interested in is called media ecology, which is essentially making sense

of contemporary media through a theoretical lens. Particularly, I will be using a print magazine called ‘Garden & Gun,’ which has a very large presence outside of print media.”

While Craft has given a number of presentations at other conferences, this is the first time that he will be participating in this particular conference.

“I do usually two or three conferences a year, but they usually are confined to literary, southern or cultural studies because those are my areas of interest,” explained Craft. “This one is unique because it lets me blend southern studies with medievalism. That’s something that is not traditionally done, so I was excited when the paper was accepted, and I am excited to see how it is going to be received.”

BSU and NAACP present What it takes to be a tutor Fall Pop-Up Shop for student entrepreneurs TRINITY BROWN Staff Reporter

SYMIAH DORSEY Staff Reporter

In a time of economic uncertainty, student organizations have banded together to show support for students with small businesses.

The Black Student Union and the university’s chapter of The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People have collaborated to host the Fall Pop-Up Shop, an event designed to highlight student entrepreneurs.

Taking place virtually throughout the week of Nov. 9-13, students will have the chance to promote their businesses as well as support others.

The pop-up shop was in high demand, according to Alana Collins, a senior kinesiology major and president of NAACP. “I was asked by multiple members and friends to plan a pop-up shop for small businesses that were either created during the COVID-19 quarantine or were already a business before COVID,” shared Collins. “One day, Taylor, who is BSU’s president, and I were conversing about events, and the topic came up and we decided to collaborate on this event for all students to participate in.”

Taylor DeBourg, a senior kinesiology major and president of BSU, explained that plans for

see POP-UP SHOP, pg.5

C RIME Log Date/Time, Locations, and Nature of the Incident for the Crime Log are compiled by The Lion’s Roar from the Daily Crime and Fire Report provided by the University Police Department.

10/13/2020 at9:00 AM - Sims Library - Theft 10/13/2020 at4:14 PM - North General Pershing Street - Traffic Crash 10/13/2020 at6:00 PM - Ascension Hall - Harassment 10/14/2020 at1:21 PM - Pride Hall - University Ban 10/14/2020 at9:00 PM - University Avenue - Traffic Crash 10/14/2020 at10:15 PM - Ascension Hall - Tobacco Violation 10/14/2020 at12:00 PM - Student Union - Harassment 10/14/2020 at10:35 PM - Hammond Hall - Possession of Marijuana 10/15/2020 at1:20 PM - Student Union - Criminal Damage to Property

10/16/2020 at9:55 AM - Pride Hall - Outstanding Arrest Warrants 10/16/2020 at10:29 PM - Union Avenue - Possession of Marijuana 10/17/2020 at2:00 PM - Taylor Hall - Theft 10/19/2020 at5:11 AM - North Oak Park - Stolen Vehicle Recovery 10/19/2020 at10:05 PM - Cook Field - Fire 10/20/2020 at12:07 PM - Student Union Circle Drive - Fire 10/20/2020 at3:18 PM - North Oak Park - Traffic Crash, Traffic Violation

The Center for Student Excellence Tutoring Center is holding Tutors Appreciation Week from Oct. 26-30 to celebrate Tinsley Hall’s tutors and Supplemental Instruction Leaders.

SI Leaders and tutors are employed through the CSE’s Tutoring Center, and most SI Leaders begin as tutors. These tutors and SI Leaders work for the university all week to help students with subjects such as math, computer science, physics and chemistry.

However, SI Leaders are not the same as tutors.

SI Leaders are students who lead a study session amongst their peers who are all taking a specific course. The students who are having difficulties in that class can pick a day and time where they can create a session and go over topics together to get a better understanding of them.

“In order to be an SI Leader, you must meet certain requirements,” said Marie Bernard, the learning assistance coordinator who oversees the Tutoring Center.

SI Leaders must act as a voice for students in that specific course by going to that class and communicating with the professor about the weak spots in the course for students. They then plan out sessions that promote participation among the students who attend.

“They had to make an A or B in the targeted class that they will facilitate,” stated Bernard.

“They must maintain at least a 3.0.”

They are also encouraged to go to the targeted class like a normal student would and interact with their cohorts.

Bernard stated that SI sessions are a great way for students to review content, learn new study strategies and collaborate with classmates.

The sessions sometimes take place in Tinsley Hall and also in the Computer Science and Technology Building.

Students who are interested in becoming an SI Leader or a tutor can visit the Tutoring Center website.

“Tutors must be patient and compassionate,” said Bernard. “Tutors must also know how to use questioning techniques to guide their clients to a better understanding of the concept that they are covering.”

Sarah Kaltenbacher, a senior social work major, explained what the most difficult part about tutoring is for her.

“I find the most difficult part of the job is when you see the clients succeeding and understanding the concepts in the sessions, but they do not do well on the tests due to test anxiety or time restrictions,” said Kaltenbacher.

Kaltenbacher also explained the difference between a tutor and an SI’s schedule.

“Tutors typically only hold weekly scheduled sessions, or they will tutor during our drop-in sessions at night,” explained Kaltenbacher. “SI leaders must attend the class they are an SI leader for, meet with the professor of the class and hold two weekly sessions for the students of the class.”

Students who are interested in being a tutor must attend a two-day training that addresses many facets of being an effective tutor, a mid-semester training and complete training modules.

Tutors are observed by graduate assistants and the Tutoring Center Coordinator to ensure they are utilizing effective tutoring methods.

Most SI Leaders were former tutors, so they have experience. However, they still must attend a two-day training as well as on-going training throughout the semester.

“Both tutors and SI Leaders are trained in facilitation techniques, effective questioning strategies, metacognition, collaboration techniques, brain based learning strategies and study skills,” explained Bernard.

The center is always looking for academicallyinclined students to become tutors and plans to shed light on tutoring to encourage all students to seek assistance in the areas in which tutors and SI’s specialize.

OPINIONS | The Lionʼs Roar

OCTOBER 27, 2020 | PAGE 3

How to have a COVID-friendly Halloween Halloween has never been my favorite holiday — not by any means.

I will never understand the enjoyment behind being scared or why costumes Symiah Dorsey are so STAFF REPORTER expensive, but nonetheless, I find myself disappointed that Halloween will not go as planned this year.

Plans are forever changing in 2020, and now many people, like myself, are conflicted on what to do for Halloween. Is COVID-19 worth that candy?

It is a tough question, I know.

Luckily, it really is easy to have COVID-friendly Halloween celebrations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention even ranked each celebration from lowest to highest risk of spreading COVID-19.

I am not going to share any of the virtual recommendations because, honestly, yawn. I know nobody wants to celebrate Halloween the same way they

attend class. However, they still have some good, low-risk ideas that college students and families should really consider.

Carving and decorating pumpkins is one of them, and scavenger hunting is another.

If you pair these activities with a small group of reliable people, maybe a bonfire and an outdoor movie, that makes for a perfectly enjoyable Halloween.

There are also options for people who are a bit more daring or, in other words, a bit more fed up with COVID-19 restrictions.

Moderate-risk celebrations include activities such as having small outdoor costume parties or participating in oneway trick or treating. Mind you, these are only ranked “moderate” when proper precautions are applied.

Believe it or not, trunk-ortreat and even regular trick-ortreating is considered a higher risk activity.

Now, if you have kids, I am not going to tell you what to do with them. All I am saying is: make them wear a fishbowl or something. Tell them they

are astronauts. Whatever you do, incorporate a proper face covering into their costume, and if they detest it, just remind them that COVID cooties are not cute.

Masks have been worn on Halloween since, like, forever.

Head-to-head: My brain is fried and I need a break - sincerely, an overworked college kid Not only has this semester wreaked havoc on our daily lives, but, to add more fuel to the fire, the university canceled any moment of rest for its students.

W h i l e everyone Gabrielle Wood enjoyed their STAFF REPORTER time off for Labor Day, we sat through online lectures.

Instead of catching up on muchneeded sleep over a fall break, we wrote more stressful essays. Now, with the news of Louisiana State University canceling Mardi Gras and spring break, it makes me wonder: Will we be next?

It is pretty cruel, if you ask me.

Everyone needs a break from reality at some point in their lives.

Being a college student, I feel as if I am constantly on the go. My mind is always racing, full of never-ending tasks that I need to check off every day. Taking 18 credit hours this semester, I am especially drained. There is

To The Editor: When I enter the voting booth on Nov. 3, the first amendment on the ballot will ask, “Do you support an amendment declaring that, to protect human life, a right to abortion and the funding of abortion shall not be found in the Louisiana Constitution?” I am proud to be voting “yes.”

While this amendment will not ban any abortions directly, it will prevent pro-choice judges from circumventing legislatures and popular will by finding the right to abortion in our state constitution. Put simply, this amendment decides whether or not a judge can make a decision on abortion. A vote “yes” leaves the decision on abortion to state legislators. Even if Roe v. Wade were to be overturned, this amendment would not make

always the opposing argument of weekends, but even FridaySunday, I am spending my free time on tedious assignments.

The cycle stays on repeat for five months straight.

I am to the point where my motivation is starting to go down the drain. I find myself constantly longing for my bed instead of having the will to finish an assignment. With online classes, I feel that it has posed an even greater challenge of learning, and sometimes I simply cannot keep up.

Why is it that, with everything going on, it seems that professors have added an extra load of work on students? By the time I actually finish everything for the day, it is the early hours of the morning and the amount of rest I received is slim to none.

Regardless of being in college, everyone needs a proper amount of rest to function.

“Studies have shown that sleep deficiency alters activity in some parts of the brain,”

abortion illegal.

Far from taking away the human rights of any Louisianians, Amendment One, colloquially known as the Love Life Amendment, will help extend the most basic and fundamental right to life to even the smallest and most vulnerable members of our society.

The abortion lobby has sunk millions of dollars and millions of hours into dehumanizing unborn children, calling them parasites and products of conception. But most embryologists, even prochoice ones, acknowledge that life begins at conception. The question then becomes: Which lives are worth defending? My answer is: all of them.

Pro-choicers will say that abortion is healthcare. No procedure that intentionally

Hornet—but with a mask.

Literally anything—but with a mask. If your plans are stepping into “higher risk” territory, and you are adamant on following through with them, at least wear a mask.

Large parties are of higher

Speak

Out

As this semester continues without any scheduled breaks, do you feel the need to have a break? Or, are you excited to end the semester early?

according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. “If you’re sleep deficient, you may have trouble making decisions, solving problems, controlling your emotions and behavior and coping “We need breaks. The storm breaks have only added more with change.” stress.”

The university aims to reduce @KARRIANE.LEIGH the spread of COVID-19 by eliminating breaks. However, “Break provide a chance to relax and extra time for school work, students are still set to come back so not having them is a bummer..” to campus for the Spring 2021 @PHOENIX_GUNDAM semester after Christmas break.

How is it that we are able to have “Excited to finish early.” an almost two month break at @AAKRITITHAPA home and have it not be considered as much of a threat as having a few “If we didn’t have the hurricane breaks, I would definitely be days during the semester? burnt out by now.”

It does not make sense. If @MADDYXMOORE students are able to be exposed for two months around their family and come back to campus in January, then we should at least be able to have a break during the semester.

So before any bit of relaxation gets canceled for the spring semester, please take into consideration the sleep deprived, 2020 will go down in history as the fall semester until the Spring to prepare for the upcoming new overworked college students. the year that completely changed 2021 semester begins. This is all year. Hopefully, the new year will our ideas of what “normal” looks in hopes of keeping the students be much better than this one. like. and faculty safe for the expected Safety and health are also F r o m spike in COVID-19 cases during positives in this case. Students m a s k e d the winter months. won’t have to spend any strangers to I understand why many unnecessary time in school and ghost towns, students may have issues with risk more exposure to COVID-19. to racial and this plan. Who doesn’t love a This is my favorite part about Safiya White p o l i t i c a l good break after putting in so the changes in the schedule.

STAFF REPORTER tensions and much energy into classes and Ultimately, we have to think takes a human life can ever environmental extracurricular activities? Who about the bigger picture. That be called “care.” As we saw disasters, nothing remains doesn’t need a few days of rest big picture is keeping everyone when the Supreme Court struck untouched. College students after commuting back and forth healthy and alive. In order to do down Louisiana’s common- are in no way excluded from to school, working jobs and that, many of us may have to sense admitting privileges law, these challenges. In fact, college balancing hours of study time? experience some discomforts and the abortion lobby cares more students may be among the most We all look forward to these disruptions, but I believe it will be about profits than the health affected. breaks for our own sanity. Trust worth it in the end. and safety of Louisiana women.

College years already do a me, as a junior who has been in Through all of this, I see an I am voting “yes” on the wonderful job at creating fears college for a while, I totally get it. important lesson in adaptation.

Love Life Amendment because about the future. Adding a In a normal situation, I would be When times get tough, it is I do not want to see this callous pandemic to our list of worries is frustrated about it too. important to learn how to adapt. disregard for human life in the icing on top of a bitter cake.

This is not a normal situation, In the simplest of cases, this can my state. With my vote, I am The threat of the coronavirus though. Time and safety are both mean gaining a new perspective. working to build a culture of life has literally changed the face invaluable, especially this year.

In the most extreme cases, like where no human is sacrificed of college campuses. Events, So, in the midst of all the the one we are experiencing now, for convenience. Abortion is housing, fees and more have been problems we are facing, let’s look I think adaptation makes all the the very antithesis of love and jumbled into a pot of uncertainty. at the positives. Classes will be difference in quality of life. How empowerment.

This semester, students were finished early, and then we will we choose to change according Please join me in voting informed that we would not have have over a month until the spring to our current circumstances can “yes” to the Love Life our regular breaks throughout the semester. This means we have really make a huge difference.

Amendment on Nov. 3 if you fall. The plan was that all classes more time to enjoy being out of With that being said, extra believe in human rights for all would be done by Nov. 24, before school. This means more time for school breaks are the least of my human beings. the Thanksgiving holiday. Final improving our mental health and concerns. I’m good with being exams are to be taken online unplugging from all the craziness done early. I can take advantage Sincerely, during the first week of December. that has happened in 2020. This of the free time and stay safe Jacqueline Doucet After that, we would be done with also means we have more time while doing it.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The Lion’s Roar is the official newspaper of the students of Southeastern Louisiana University. It has been in continuous publication since 1937.

Submissions and letters to the editor are welcomed, but the editor of The Lion’s Roar reserves the right to edit all submissions for grammar, libel and available space, or refuse publication without notification. Submissions must include the author’s full name and either phone number, e-mail or other contact information (not to be published). Faculty and staff members should include their title and department. Students should include their classification and major. By submitting an article for publication, the author understands that the submission will be edited.

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So, parents, you should take this opportunity to get creative with a mask. Non-parents, you should do the same.

Think of all the cool 2020-themed costumes you could wear: Carole Baskin— but with a mask. Murder

risk too. You knew that already, but I will say this anyway: Us college students need to do everyone a favor and avoid large parties this year. Maybe it is the introvert in me talking, but having a small gathering with people you can trust is much more enticing than being around a bunch of strangers who, by the way, could possibly give you COVID-19.

As much as I want to say I have earned the right to a large party because I have been following the guidelines all year, that is not how it works.

We have to be a bit smarter than that.

At the end of the day, there is always a risk with any activity you choose. There is risk every time we step out the door these days. But, no one is asking you to not have fun, not even the CDC. By all means, you should dress up, eat your candy, enjoy college “festivities,” but keep it small, and keep other people in mind.

The restrictions are less restrictive now, so let’s not take that for granted.

All views expressed in The Lion’s Roar are those of the author or, if unsigned, those of the staff of The Lion’s Roar. These views should not be interpreted as the views of the administration, faculty or students of Southeastern Louisiana University.

A single issue of The Lion’s Roar is free. Additional copies may be purchased for 50 cents in the Student Union suite 1303. Annual mail subscriptions are $35 within the continental U.S. The Lion’s Roar, in its print form, and associated online or digital versions, are designated public forums. Student editors have the authority to make content decisions without censorship or prior approval. The Lion’s Roar also defends the rights of student journalists relative to freedom of speech and press as stated in Amendment I of the Constitution of the United States of America.

The Lion’s Roar is published through the Office of Student Publications, part of the Division for Student Affairs. It is published weekly during regular semesters and monthly during the summer semester.

Head-to-head: I don’t need a break Let’s get done with this semester early

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Page 4 | October 27, 2020

The Lion’s Roar | Arts & Entertainment

Community Music School celebrates 25th anniversary for Homecoming Week 2020

Students of the Southeastern Community Music School provided various solo and group performances at the school’s 25th anniversary concert. The event was on campus and free to guests, who were encouraged to wear masks, social distance and bring their own chairs. Brynn Lundy/The Lion’s Roar BRYNN LUNDY

Music Building’s Bass Clef outdoor stage.

The concert was a part of Homecoming Week 2020 and Saturday’s Fall Fest in Friendship Circle.

On Saturday, Oct. 24, the Southeastern Various individuals and groups of CMS students Community Music School held its 25th anniversary performed from 10-11 a.m., concluding with a brief concert, titled “Classics in Blue Jeans,” at the Pottle showcase of the orchestra as a whole, led by interim Staff Reporter

director Jivka Duke.

Duke mentioned that this event was the music school’s first of the semester and that they will have two indoor recitals toward the end of the fall. She explained the reasoning behind the theme and title of the concert, “Classics in Blue Jeans.”

“We performed mostly classical pieces, which are normally performed in a concert hall, while wearing formal attire such as tuxedos and evening gowns, but, since we had to do this concert outdoors to comply with the COVID-19 restrictions, we encouraged everyone to wear blue jeans,” detailed Duke. “We also included one or two popular/fiddle pieces which are usually performed in blue jeans.”

For lessons and performances, the music school abides by the university’s health and safety guidelines, according to Duke. She explained that students have the option to participate in their lessons online, in person or a hybrid of both.

Duke also described the preparation process for this particular concert.

“The preparation time varies depending on the difficulty of the pieces,” explained Duke. “Some take just a few weeks, and others take a few months.

The ensembles mostly prepare individually, each player on their own, and only rehearse together once or twice.”

In addition to the day’s weather, Duke listed other factors that contributed to the anniversary concert’s success.

“One very important aspect is making sure the students are assigned pieces that are the correct level of difficulty and also pieces that they enjoy practicing,” commented Duke. “There are many other logistics to consider, from getting the right keyboard to making sure our performers have a

convenient place to park, but definitely the success of such an event is a group effort. Teachers, students, parents—everyone plays an invaluable part in making it the success that it is.”

Natalie Fulks, a CMS student and 8-year-old pianist who is homeschooled from Albany, La., shared that even though she wished she could give her schoolmates congratulatory hugs after each performance, it felt good to display her hard work at the concert.

“It feels awesome to have my practice and hard work pay off,” expressed Fulks. “I felt like I achieved something in music at the performance because other people heard me play, and they liked it. I was able to play without making any mistakes because I practiced my piece every day for weeks.”

Graham Mizell, another CMS student and 15-year-old guitarist from Hammond, shared how it felt to prepare for a socially-distanced performance.

“It shows how we can adapt to the things going on and still provide entertainment and have an enjoyable experience,” commented Mizell.

Duke shared her gratitude towards the university and for being able to hold an event for the 25th anniversary of the music school on campus.

“I am grateful that we were able to do this event in person and to even have an audience, socially distanced, but present in person,” expressed Duke. “Southeastern’s support in everything we do is always present, but especially in a year like this is really wonderful. I feel that we have been so deprived of live music this year that this was a much needed relief and a beautiful bright light of normality in a year filled with so much disturbance and uncertainty.”

Southeastern Livingston Center to host panel on women’s suffrage movement anniversary JORDYN FRANKLIN Staff Reporter

On Nov. 2, the Southeastern Livingston Center will be hosting a panel by the Centennial Women’s Suffrage Project, an interdisciplinary group at the university.

The Centennial Women’s Suffrage Project, composed of faculty members from various departments, seeks to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment’s ratification, which decreed that voters shall not be denied the right to vote based on their sex.

Carol Madere, a professor in the department of Communication and Media Studies, is the team leader of the group. She revealed that a journal calling for papers on the 19th Amendment was what influenced its founding.

“I submitted a paper that didn’t get accepted, but then I realized that there weren’t ways to celebrate that centennial,” explained Madere. “I contacted my friend Angela Dunnington at Sims Library, and we talked about different things we could do. We came up with the idea of creating a traveling exhibit that goes to museums and libraries and so forth.”

The goal of the panel on Nov. 2 is to give an overall view of how the movement started and who the leading women in it were, according to Madere.

“Everybody has heard of Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, but not necessarily Alice Paul or Carrie Chapman Catt, who also founded the League of Women Voters,” detailed Madere.

“One of the things we really wanted to focus on here was some of

the people history has not paid enough attention to.” anything about the women’s suffrage movement — hardly anybody Madere also shared how she hopes to influence her audience raises their hands,” expressed Madere. “I want to reinvigorate excitement about it, interest in it and knowledge about it.”

Lisa Moody, a professor in the English department, joined the committee after being approached by Madere. In her presentation, she will be focusing specifically on the Louisiana suffrage movement.

“Everybody has a different area of expertise — she asked me to do research into that area and to kind of be the expert,” explained Moody. “That’s how I got involved with it. The panel that we’re doing in Livingston all came about because we have a traveling exhibit that we got a grant for.”

Being a part of the Centennial Women’s Suffrage Project has been a fulfilling experience, according to Moody.

“It’s actually been wonderful for me,” expressed Moody. “First of all, I enjoy the collegiality of working with colleagues from all of these different departments. I like the idea of commemorating all of the different ways suffrage got passed. I also enjoy being the voice for people who don’t necessarily get credit for their contributions to suffrage.”

Moody shared that audience participation is what she looks forward to the most about the upcoming presentation.

A women’s suffrage poster from 1916. The 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920, “A lot of people are very surprised at some of our content, and granting voting rights to citizens regardless of their sex. Jordyn Franklin/The Lion’s Roar they’re learning new information — a lot of them share their own knowledge and information,” detailed Moody. “I look forward to during her presentation on the national movement.

“Occasionally, I will ask my class if they’ve heard of Betty that exchange that we usually get at the end of the talk.”

Friedan, who wrote The Feminine Mystique, or if they know

Students and faculty“brush their stress away” with painting event in Friendship Circle ELANA GUILLORY Staff Reporter

In the midst of a busy semester, a Homecoming event allowed students to go outdoors, channel their inner artists and let their worries fade away.

On Wednesday, Oct. 21, students and faculty participated in the “Brush Away Stress Painting Event.” The event took place at 5:30 p.m. in Friendship Circle and was hosted by the University Health Center, University Counseling Center and Office of Student Engagement.

Free canvases featuring pre-drawn lion templates were distributed along with paint brushes, cups of water and small containers of various paints.

While people painted, UCC counselors discussed methods for relieving stress.

Organized by UHC Wellness Coordinator Kayla Noll, “Brush Away” was inspired by painting activities at other universities. Noll saw this event as an opportunity to help students and faculty unwind.

“Painting is a good way for students

to relieve stress, so I just thought we could paint a canvas and have it Southeastern-related with a lion on it and have the University Counseling Center come out and talk about mental health,” said Noll. “They learn about mental health and also about relieving stress, and it’s fun, and it’s outside.

There’s Eco therapy. I just wanted to tie that in. And with the virus, you get fresh air. It’s just better than being inside.”

Lori Stillwell, an accounting specialist at the Controller’s Office, was one of many attendees that felt less stressed after painting on Wednesday evening.

“For the last month, I have been working on a report, and I finished it this morning at 12:30, and I needed a little break, so I decided to take advantage of the opportunity to come here and paint,” said Stillwell. “This is great. It’s very stress relieving.”

According to Noll, painting can aid in a variety of symptoms brought on by excessive stress.

“If you’re really stressed out for a

long period of time, it can contribute to a lower immune system, make you sick more easily,” described Noll. “Your grades can suffer if you’re stressed out, so a lot of things can suffer just from being stressed for a greater period of time. I kind of wanted to do an in-person activity where they can enjoy being outside instead of being in their dorm at a computer.”

Sophomore nursing major Claire Krousel showed gratitude to the UHC and UCC for hosting the event.

“Midterms recently have been very stressful for me,” claimed Krousel. “I do genuinely enjoy painting because that is the way that I de-stress. I like to paint. It was a free event. I’m just so grateful that we were able to do anything for Homecoming because of COVID, and even like Gumbo YaYa, just to have something for the students to participate in.”

Krousel felt her worry about exams dissipate as the event went on.

“I definitely think it’s helping me de-stress,” described Krousel. “I had to take an exam earlier today, and it

Students gather in Friendship Circle for the university’s “Brush Away Your Stress” painting event as a part of Homecoming Week. Participants were provided with canvases, paint, water and paint brushes. Elana Guillory/The Lion’s Roar was very challenging, and the stress I’m literally brushing my stress away.” and anxiety that I felt—It’s like, gone.

Sports | The Lion’s Roar

October 27, 2020 | Page 5

Fightin’ Lions Golf Shamble raises proceeds for university golf team JORDYN FRANKLIN Staff Reporter

The 29th annual Fightin’ Lions Golf Shamble was held at the Carter Plantation Golf Course in Springfield, raising over $11,000 for the university golf team.

Alongside the Lion Athletics Association, the university’s men’s golf program co-hosted the event on Oct. 23, beginning with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start.

Proceeds raised go toward the program’s Green Jacket Club.

Jake Narro, head golf coach, provided details about the Green Jacket Club for those who might be unfamiliar with it.

“The ‘green jacket’ comes from the Masters Golf Tournament held in Augusta, Ga. every year,” explained Narro. “You get a green jacket if you win it, so that is where the name comes from.”

The event’s main goal is to provide support for the men’s golf team, according to Narro.

“It’s a way to support the golf team from the community and the families of the players,” said Narro. “That’s our mission and our goal.”

As a whole, Narro agreed and emphasized that the Fightin’ Lions Golf Shamble

adds value to the men’s golf program.

“We have the ex-president of the university there, Randy Moffett,” said Narro. “We also have ex-players there to mingle with the current players and talk about the good old days and the new days. It is a wonderful way to have interaction with the community.”

Narro detailed how he hopes his team will benefit from the experience.

“I hope they make some contacts — that they will learn a little about the past and the past players, and that the past players learn a little bit about them,” shared Narro.

Mary Hannah Johnson, director of athletic advancement for LAA, gave insight as to how the Fightin’ Lions Golf Shamble was coordinated behind the scenes.

“That entails the communication, the flyers, social media, running transactions and processing them, getting all of the teams together since it is a four man scramble,” explained Johnson.

“We also make sure every team has four people on it if someone signs up individually.”

Johnson shared that football and golf alumni are often Participants in the Fightin’ Lions Golf Shamble pose at the Carter Plantation Golf Course in Springfield, La. The event among those who sign up to raised over $11,000 for the university golf team. Courtesy of Mary Hannah Johnson POP-UP SHOP

continued from pg. 2 an in-person version of the Fall Pop-Up Shop is also underway.

“We do plan on having an in-person Fall PopUp Shop, but those details are still in the works,” explained DeBourg. “With COVID-19, the planning process is very intentional and strategic to keep everyone safe. With two amazing orgs partnering up, the commitment, dedication, and organization to the Fall Pop-Up Shop makes getting tasks done easier.”

Collins shared the various types of businesses that the event has accumulated.

“We have had a humongous amount of interest for this fall’s pop-up shop,” said Collins. “Most of the owners are ranging from freshmen to seniors.

I believe there will be businesses that display cosmetic items, clothing, hair, custom items, accessories, etc. You just have to come out and see for yourself.”

The university’s BSU and NAACP have partnered together to create a pop-up shop designed to highlight students with For Collins, establishing a support system in small businesses. The event will be held virtually Nov. 9-13 with an in-person event still in the works. Symiah dorsey/The Lion’s Roar these unpredictable times is an important task.

“I believe it is important to highlight small VOTING

continued from pg. 1 L’Oreal Williams, president of the Student Government Association, shared why she thinks it is important for students to vote.

“College students should vote to make sure their ideals and thoughts are represented by their government,” shared Williams.

“Honestly, a lot of our current lawmakers are much older and are making changes that affect college students in negative ways. If college students exercise their right to vote, it could prevent old fashioned ideals from being forced onto a new generation.”

This election will be Williams’ first time voting in a presidential election, and she plans to vote because if she and other students do not vote, their voices will not be heard.

Madison Sunde, SGA Chief Justice, also explained how important it is for students to vote in the upcoming election.

“I think it is important for students to vote because our generation is the one that will be impacted the most from the election,” explained Sunde. “As young adults enter the career world, the state of our nation will directly affect how we grow up and move forward.”

Visit the Secretary of State’s website for information about early voting and polling locations.

participate in the event.

“It’s been fun to connect with those people every time they come,” expressed Johnson. “Overall, it’s a really fun atmosphere. They have breakfast and lunch, so they all get fed. It is a good time to cater to those people that donate to us.”

Being able to connect with the community is one of the most important values of the event, according to Johnson.

“The biggest reason is because the golf team is actually there, and they get to connect with our community,” said Johnson. “It does add overall value because the community actually gets to know our student athletes personally, which always helps when it comes to support.”

In the midst of a turbulent year, Johnson emphasized that raising proceeds is even more important than it has been in the past.

“In the year 2020, it’s more valuable than it ever has been in the past,” reflected Johnson.

“It has been valuable in the past, but this year we have to pay for COVID-19 testing, and we’ve had to pay for certain expenses we’ve never had to before.”

businesses on campus because students should be able to network on the campus that they put into financially, expressed Collins. “Also, economically, the country is in an unpredictable situation, so many rely on their business for income. I believe that it is important to be that vessel to allow black or minority talent to flourish here on this campus, especially during this time in our country’s history where we are under a very fine microscope.”

Brought together by one mission, the two organizations have aimed to be an outlet for students to support each other, “During this time, most people started their business over quarantine for profit,” said DeBourg.

“We wanted to highlight the talent that a lot of these students have in their small businesses. As two of the biggest Black organizations on campus, we thought it was extremely important to be that outlet for Black students to highlight their businesses.

We have to support each other at a time where we sometimes don’t feel the support from others.”

For more information on how to participate in the Fall Pop-Up Shop, send a direct message to BSU @bsul_slu or NAACP @selunaacp via Instagram.

Make-Up Cap & Gown Photos by appointment only on Nov. 16 and 17

TEACHING DURING PANDEMIC

continued from pg. 1

what is best for them, but the early distractions that come along with not being in the classroom is a disadvantage,” explained Degraw.

With COVID-19, workloads have increased for some students.

Many students feel frustrated with online schooling, so they get upset when a teacher does not reply to emails or grades as quickly as they would like, according to Degraw.

“Teachers are people too,” expressed Degraw. “They make mistakes. Students don’t realize that teachers have a life outside of school and work.”

John Burris, department head of Computer Science, agreed with

Degraw. He explained how online teaching has affected his morale when it comes to grading.

“All of the work becomes more tedious,” said Burris. “I used to grade with a cup of coffee on the front porch, and I was comfortable. Now, it is word document after word document on my desk, and I wish I were outside.”

Like many professors, Burris explained that he misses engaging with students.

“Nothing is closer than engagement,” commented Burris.

“I can’t teach a student that I don’t know. However, it’s good that we Candid Campus Photogrpahy, the official photographers for Southeastern’s Cap & Gown portraits, recently announced make-up photogrpahy sessions for students went through this, and hopefully who missed Grad Fair. Sessions will be by appointment only at the company’s studio in Gretna on Monday, November 16 and Tuesday, November 17. Graduating we can bounce back from it.” students should check their email for a message with further details or contact customerservice@candidcampusphoto.com Symiah Dorsey/The Lion’s Roar

Page 6 | October 27, 2020

The Lion’s Roar | Campus Life

Recap of Homecoming Week 2020

Fall Fest was organized as a collaboration between the Lions Athletics Association and the Downtown Development District. The event took place on Saturday, Oct. 23 in Friendship Circle and involved activities like trunk-or-treat around the circle.

Participants competed for the best decorated trunk-or-treat car and best Halloween costume. Prakriti Adhikari/The Lion’s Roar

Former Homecoming Queen Aesha Magee crowns Homecoming Queen 2020 Destiny Richardson. Maggie Tregre/The Lion’s Roar

A student shows off her Lion Pride by wearing a green and gold T-shirt for the The Baptist Collegiate Ministry took first place in the annual Homecoming Lip Sync Competition. This year, the event was held in Strawberry Stadium. Various Lion Up Tuesday during Homecoming Week 2020. Dylan Meche/The Lion’s Roar student organizations competed to show off their best dance and lip sync routines. Dylan Meche/The Lion’s Roar

Members of the Homecoming Court wave at passers-by during the Homecoming 2020 drive-thru parade. Students from the Community Music School perform during the “Classic in Blue Jeans“ concert held at the Pottle Performance Circle on Saturday, Oct. 24. The concert was held at the Pottle Music Building’s Bass Clef outdoor stage and was organized in a picnic style. Symiah Dorsey and Brynn Lundy/The Lion’s Roar